You have been given everything you need! That’s not just a statement. It’s a promise. How do I know? As we saw yesterday, our Father cannot lie. In Ephesians 1 we read:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
Those grammar lessons were important! Our blessings are set in the past tense: He has blessed us… How much has He given? Every spiritual blessing. That’s true but too big for us to fully grasp. What’s God’s answer? He has filled His Word with specific expressions (promises) of this truth.
Resource for Renewal
So far, we’ve established the following:
- God cannot lie
- Apart from Him I/we can’t do anything
- I/we have already been given everything we need
The implications are huge, and humbling. God takes people who can’t do anything on their own and gives them everything they need. He is incredibly good! How else could you describe what we have been given? Notice:
- He Who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it
- Without faith it is impossible to please Him – Hebrews 11 – He has expectations!
- He is the Author and Finisher of our faith – Hebrews 12 – He equips us to meet His expectations!
- He has sealed you with His Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1
- His intention is for us to have an abundant life – John 10
- We are created for good works – Ephesians 2
- He created the good works ahead of time so we could do them – Ephesians 2
- He doesn’t change – He’s always the same – Hebrews 13
- We can do all things in His strength – Philippians 4
This is a tiny fraction of what our Father has promised us. And did I mention His Word never returns without accomplishing His purposes? His Word carries promise, power, and provision. His Word renews and empowers us.
The Question
How different would the world be if all Christians acted on all the Lord’s promises? Maybe that’s too broad. How different would your life be if you acted on all God’s promises? Any difference, in either case, proves we have problems believing. I encourge you to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Believe and act on God’s great resources, His promises.
The Poem
Since our Father is the ultimate Promise Keeper, we should try to be like Him. As I mentioned in the first post, Mission: Hope volunteers keep promises in many places. And that’s possible because of the promises you keep! Many of you have promised to pray for and support this ministry in various ways. Whatever our role, part of Robert Frost’s classic poem is fitting:
I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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